Bowling For Soup "Fishin' For Woos"

One of my favorite aural pastimes is Bowling For Soup, I just don’t do it that often. Ever since they were Drunk Enough To Dance I have been dancing along with their quirky, pop-punk confections; with a nice blend of pop culture refernces and timeless subject matter, as well as a balance of sentimentality and humor. While the follow-up had some great songs (1985, Almost, and Shut Up and Smile to name a few) as it came to the end it became one of those situations where maybe you wish you hadn’t had those last few drinks, and then end up with A Hangover You Don’t Deserve.  The Great Burrito Extortion Case had a couple woo-hoos in a row; the rest of the record was not as great, but better than I remember. The previous record was also very solid, but had some woo-hoos in front, behind, and between. I was excited to hear there was a new album, and seeing the cover I became even more excited. This time they’re Fishin’ For Woos, and while there were no woo-hoos biting their lines this time they did have some fish that could be prepared to woo that special someone, if they have a sense of humor. No album they have made is perfect, but they all have tight musicianship. “Let’s Pretend We’re Not In Love” with the opening song, y que no hablo ingles, but that wouldn’t fool Emily.  Who wouldn’t be interested in these engaging harmonies and lyrics about these “Girls in America,” with their southern accents and California tan lines? Most of us may wish that the weekend never ends; except if you only work on the weekends. The lyrics are relatable to everybody with that job they despise, even if one does enjoy their job (which is a great thing) they can still sing along  on more than just “S-S-S-Saturdays.” “What About Us?” has center stage full of piano, and who can ignore the strings, which still work with Reddick’s vocals in this love song. I swear I have heard something like this before, but I love what I am hearing: an ode to his wife asking for him to write something special for her, but that is not why it sounds familiar. I do enjoy the instrumentals and lyrics much so, and the fact that the lyrics’ focus are the antithesis of positive attributes. Using a healthy helping of sarcasm and love Jarret proclaims “Here’s Your Freakin’ Song.” “This Ain’t My Day,” but this may be one of my favorites; not that I could explain why. The opening to the next song is misleading because it sounds like it will be edgier than what follows, but I cannot help but wear a “Smiley Face (It’s All Good)” when I hear those lyrics (and those keys); would you be mad if I think of Friday listening to some of the lyrics?  The chorus says it all when it comes to “Turbulence.” From the sentiment and intro similar of I wish You were here , to one of their trademark choruses; I forsee this as a single. Sounds like Pat Benatar likes to fish for woos too, but it’s not like “I’ve Never Done Anything Like This Before” from the tinkling piano in the back to the guest vocals of Kay Hanley. “Friends Chicks Guitars” sounds like nothing but a good time, except there is one problem…NO BEER! It’s overrated anyways, but “It's not the first time we forgot/To send someone by 12 o'clock/We'll never persevere.” “Guard My Heart” can be interepreted as an outsider’s last attempt at letting you know why they do not bother trying to talk to anyone anymore, or just a jilted lover’s confessional as to why that person is afraid to commit to a relationship. The final song is about old-school memories, no really, with more of what you have come to expect, but simultaneously enjoy on this “Graduation Trip.” What about Us, Here’s Your Freakin’ Song, This Ain’t My Day, Smiley Face (It’s All Good), Turbulence, and I’ve Never Done Anything Like This.